Instead of getting a lame, wooden-esque souvenir from Sukiennice, check out the unquestionable king…read moreof modern-day Polish design at the moment: Pan Tu Nie Stał. The name literally translates to "Mister, That's Not Your Spot!" which is a direct reference to the tradition of queuing everywhere to get your ration(s) when Poland was a communist state: People's Republic of Poland (PRL).
The strength of PTNS is its repurposing/repackaging of old Polish designs, relying heavily on nostalgia and playing with the polish language. For example, one of their most popular designs is a t-shirt with the word "Dziadostwo", meaning 'trash' or something of shady quality. They've been releasing a new version of the same word for years now! I myself have four "Dziadostwo" t-shirts hanging in my closet as we speak... I think that's enough for one lifetime though, no? Anyways, many of the articles of clothing are all about a single word (ex. "ziarno" (grain), "naleśniki" (crepes), "remont" (renovation)) or a funky phrase (ex. "Wielki Elektownik" (The Big Electrician), "Działka moje hobby" (My garden is my hobby", "Zimny drań" (Cold-stoned bastard) or some kinda pattern. They draw their strength & appeal from the simplicity of it.
This particular store is on the smaller side but it's packed to the max with PTNS goods. If you don't see something in your size, simply ask the retail person. She/he will be more then happy to assist. The only downside to this space that there's only one changing room, and sometime you might need to wait a bit.
So if you're looking for pants, socks, backpacks, totes, baseball caps, pins, books, pencils, scarves, mugs - and then some - this is the place.. Get something practical & unique from the city of Krak!
P.S. They have a loyalty program, for every 59zł spent you get a stamp, a total of 10 stamps gets you a free t-shirt. To be redeemed only in-store though.
